Regulator has ‘power’ to force Man City sale

The Independent Regulator (IFR) of English football holds absolute authority to compel Manchester City's owners, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, to sell the club if they are found to have operated improperly, according to the IFR's chair, David Kogan. City has been found guilty of over 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018, and the club faces severe consequences unless they overturn the verdict.

Despite the club's appeal and denial of any wrongdoing, Kogan emphasized that the IFR has "absolute power" to force an owner to step away from a club they deem unfit, fair, or improper. Kogan also expressed his unwillingness to resign should there be any political interference in the IFR's investigation into City, stating he would do so if such interference were to occur.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced criticism for suggesting the Abu Dhabi owners might leave the club following the verdict, a stance the Downing Street later reversed, insisting no entity was above the rules. The case presents a delicate balance for the UK government in maintaining its relationships with the United Arab Emirates while upholding the independence of the disciplinary action against City.